Miners Name Justin Lord New Pitching Coach
Published on February 8, 2011 under Frontier League (FL)
Southern Illinois Miners News Release
MARION, Ill. - The Southern Illinois Miners are excited to announce the addition of Justin Lord as the team's pitching coach for the 2011 season. The former Royals and Pirates minor leaguer spent the previous two seasons as the pitching coach of the Pensacola Pelicans of the American Association.
Lord's Pelicans made the playoffs in each of his two years as pitching coach. However, Pensacola will not have a team this season as the Cincinnati Reds double-A affiliate will move to town in 2012. The Augusta, Ga. native finished his playing career with the St. Paul Saints of the American Association in 2008.
"I became acquainted with Justin when he was the ace of the St. Paul Saints when they won a championship in 2006," Miners Manager Mike Pinto said. "It was a season in which he finished 11-3 in 120 innings of work. He really had a plan on the mound, and I am sure that will translate to our pitchers as well."
Lord, 31, originally signed with the Royals in 2001 as a pitcher out of Florida State University. That year he led the Seminoles with 11 saves, which still ranks in the top 10 in school history. In two seasons in the Kansas City organization, he advanced as high as the advanced single-A Carolina League.
Following the 2003 season, he was selected by the Pirates in the Rule 5 Minor League Draft. The Rule 5 draft is in place to prevent teams from stockpiling prospects in their minor league system while there is a potential spot for them at a higher level with another major league team. In 2004, he posted a 2.96 ERA in two starts and 12 relief appearances with the Pirates advanced single-A affiliate in Lynchburg, Va. He signed with the Saints the following season.
"I was impressed with Justin as a player and now even more as a person," Pinto said. "He'll be an excellent addition to our team and will relate well to our pitching staff. I expect him to come in here and make an immediate impact with our guys. He has a great demeanor and knows mechanics and how to pitch. He is organized and has a very good plan for working with our staff."
Lord replaces former pitching coach Bart Zeller who was named the manager of the Frontier League's new franchise in Joliet last month.
The Miners will open the 2011 season on Friday, May 20 on the road against the Gateway Grizzlies. The home opener is scheduled for Tuesday, May 24, at 7:05 p.m. against the Evansville Otters. For the latest news and updates about the Miners and upcoming events at Rent One Park, visit www.southernillinoisminers.com.
Frontier League Stories from February 8, 2011
- Wild Things Announce Trade Completion, Two Signings - Washington Wild Things
- Miners Name Justin Lord New Pitching Coach - Southern Illinois Miners
- Crushers Field Manager Enters UASHF - Lake Erie Crushers
- Gates to Take Position in Kentucky - Lake Erie Crushers
- Valentine's Package Delivered by the Wild Thing Now Available - Washington Wild Things
- Corn Crib to Host Boys Soccer State Finals - Normal CornBelters
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
